No one answered from outside. The entire estate had fallen into an unnerving silence. Tim and Paul, the two bodyguards who usually followed Anthony everywhere, even at Mistveil Manor, were nowhere to be seen. If Anthony called, they should have appeared instantly. But no one came. "Tim! Paul!" Anthony backed away, shouting their names again. Kerry's two bodyguards kept advancing. They weren't bluffing. This wasn't a scare tactic. "Stop shouting. They won't get another chance in this lifetime." Kerry spoke slowly, pushing himself up with visible effort. His body trembled, and he only managed to stand by leaning heavily on his cane. Without it, he would have collapsed back into his seat. The sight sent a chill through Anthony. He couldn't believe how much Kerry's health had deteriorated. Hadn't he always been strong? "Grandpa... you..." "Anthony, I'm also to blame for the trouble you caused today. I spoiled you too much. I let you become this arrogant, reckless boy." Kerry lifted his hand and slapped his own face—hard. The sharp crack echoed in the silent room. Even Anthony fell quiet, stunned. His grandfather, a man who had commanded respect his entire life, had just done that. Anthony was completely stunned. "Grandpa..." "Anthony, I'll give you one last chance. Tell me the truth—what did you do today?" Kerry's voice shook as he spoke. Hearing that unsteady tone, Anthony shuddered. The two bodyguards had already closed in, pinning him firmly between them. He couldn't move. "Grandpa, I'll tell you everything..." Anthony rushed to confess, spilling it all. "I went to Mr. Slade's auction representing the Ruiz family. I saw a woman there; she looked pretty good, and I thought she was really charming. I tried to get her attention. But she ignored me... "I kept bidding against others. And... and later I wanted to teach her a lesson. I put something in a glass of wine. I never thought that damn guy drank the wine instead." As he spoke, the humiliation of the day washed over him again. Not making that woman—Chloe—pay had become his biggest regret. Too bad that guy named Eugene ruined the whole thing! Anthony assumed his grandfather was angry because he'd caused trouble at the auction and embarrassed Joseph. Joseph and his grandfather were old friends. Maybe Joseph had complained, and now his grandpa was making an example of him to give Joseph face. "Grandpa, I know I was wrong. I won't act so recklessly again." Anthony lowered his head, trying to sound sincere. "Do you even know who that 'damn guy' is?" Kerry raised his cane and swung it hard against Anthony's side. The sudden blow made Anthony cry out in pain. He tore himself free from the bodyguards and stumbled backward. Looking down, he saw a sharp, red welt rising across his ribs. Rage boiled up inside him. "Grandpa, he's just some guy! Do you really have to go this far? He's got a bit of cash and loves playing the patsy—all to curry favor with Mr. Slade. You don't need to take it out on me like this over something so small! Our Ruiz family isn't afraid of anyone. In all of Capaville, there's no one we can't handle!" Anthony was furious. His grandfather was losing it over nothing. Kerry let out a cold laugh. "Got a bit of cash? Do you even understand what it really means?" "Grandpa..." "Don't use our family's entire fortune to fight what's merely pocket change to another. There are matters in this world you have no inkling of." Kerry's voice grew rough and heavy.Anthony froze. What did that mean? Whose pocket change—Eugene's? Anthony's eyes widened in disbelief. "Grandpa, who is he, really?" Back at Mistveil Manor, Anthony had ordered Tim to dig up information on that man named Eugene. They found nothing—no identity, no records. The name was right there, but they couldn't even get a starting point. Joseph had stayed by Eugene's side the whole time, and the way he acted made it clear it was out of respect for Eugene. And now his grandfather claimed Eugene's pocket money was greater than their entire family fortune. It was unbelievable. He couldn't be the richest man in the world, could he? Wait... A terrifying thought suddenly struck Anthony. "Anthony, you're not a child anymore. I'd hoped you would grow up, so I could pass the Ruiz family to you. But right now... you're not ready." Kerry shook his head, his expression weary and resigned. "This isn't about who has more money. That guy is someone we can't afford to mess with—none of us."